Nonsurgical Services

Kybella

Submental fullness, often referred to as a “double chin”, is a common facial aesthetic condition that can impact many adults, both men and women. It can be related to the aging process or could simply be a part of your genetics. It can become more prominent due to weight gain but even with diet and exercise, it may not go away.

Kybella is the first and only FDA-approved nonsurgical treatment that contours and improves the appearance of submental fullness. It is a non-surgical, in-office treatment that is customized to achieve your goals. The product is injected into the fat beneath your chin and destroys the fat cells. For most patients, two treatments may be required. The side effects of Kybella include swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness and areas of hardness in the treatment area.

Kybella Consultation

A consultation with an Emory physician can help determine if you are a good candidate for Kybella. You will need to meet with one of our skilled cosmetic surgeons at our Atlanta office. Our experts will walk you through how the treatment works, what to expect, and discuss your goals for treatment with you.

Kybella Candidates

Kybella injection is an effective treatment for submental fullness, but not everyone is a candidate. The treatment may be right for you if you are bothered by submental fullness, prefer a non-surgical approach, you feel the condition makes you look older or heavier than you are, and you eat well and exercise but submental fullness does not go away. Some health problems may also disqualify prospective patients from receiving injectable treatments, including weak facial muscles, difficulty swallowing, infection in the area of treatment, or bleeding problems. Only a cosmetic surgeon can determine individual candidacy.

Kybella Procedure

The Kybella injection procedure at our Atlanta office is minimally invasive and brief. Before the procedure, ice/cold packs and, if necessary, a topical numbing cream are used to make the injection process more comfortable. Following this, the planned injection area is marked and prepared. The procedure typically lasts only 15 to 20 minutes with our expert cosmetic surgeons, and discomfort should be minimal.

Kybella Recovery

Injectables involve minimal discomfort and absolutely no downtime following the treatment. As with any vaccination or needle treatment, the injection site may become slightly sore, red, swollen, or bruised, but these side effects are temporary, and subside within a few days. Many people undergo treatment on their lunch break, then return to work immediately afterward.

Because of the way Kybella works to reduce submental fullness, some patience is required to see the results, with the effect usually appearing within 4-6 weeks after treatment.

Kybella® FAQs

How long do Kybella® treatments last?

Fat cells that have been destroyed are gone for good, so Kybella® treatments will produce long-lasting results. However, weight gain or other factors can cause the remaining fat cells under the chin to expand, resulting reoccurrence of submental fullness. This is one of the reasons it is so important to maintain a healthy lifestyle following Kybella® treatments.

Can Kybella® be combined with other treatments?

Yes. Many patients are interested in multiple non-surgical or surgical procedures, and often have these procedures combined. You and your surgeon will discuss your goals and choose the procedure(s) that are right for you. As long as your plastic surgeon feels it is safe, you may have multiple treatments performed at one time.

What is Kybella® made of?

Kybella® is formulated with Deoxycholic acid, a naturally-occurring molecule found in the body that helps break down and absorb fat. The concentrated formula can be injected directly under the chin to break down fat in this specific area, to great effect.

Depending on the amount of fullness you have under the chin, you may need more injections of the product. Some patients may want to consider surgical options instead, depending on the severity of the fullness, especially if they are already planning other surgical procedures. Your plastic surgeon will advise you on the treatment options that are likely to work best for meeting your goals, and will be able to estimate how much improvement you can expect from Kybella® treatments.

How old do you have to be to receive Kybella® treatments?

Even young people can struggle with isolated submental fullness, and treatment can be appropriate for most healthy adults. Only a qualified plastic surgeon can make individual decisions about your candidacy, however.

Are there risks to Kybella® treatment?

There are few risks to Kybella® treatments, as the formula is biologically compatible, but there are rare side-effects that can occur with any treatment. Choosing a skilled provider is the best way to minimize your risk for complications. Aside from temporary injection-related swelling, redness, tenderness, and soreness, rare complications from Kybella® may include:

Trouble swallowing

Nerve injury in the jaw

Facial muscle weakness

Contour abnormalities

When will I see the results of Kybella®?

The body disposes of destroyed fat cells gradually, and the results of Kybella® can take several weeks to become apparent. Some patients see benefits after only one to Kybella® treatments, although more may be needed for full benefits.

Will Kybella® tighten my skin under the chin?

Kybella® only targets submental fullness and does not affect the skin. Patients with good skin elasticity should not see loose skin after the procedure. Results appear gradually, giving the skin time to retract and contour to the new shape of the chin.

Can Kybella® be used in other areas of the body?

Currently, Kybella® is only FDA approved for use under the chin, and should not be used on other areas of the body. However, there are other surgical and non-surgical treatments optimized for other areas of unwanted fat to discuss with your surgeon.

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